Get through the festive season without losing your cool

CHRISTMAS Eve is just two sleepless nights away.
Even if you are eager for the festive season– all the stresses and strains of a house bursting with family members, festive debts and choosing gifts for awkward mates can add up.

By Natasha Harding

21st December 2016,5:23 pm

But what if there was a way to enjoy the season to be jolly, without giving a care what anybody else thought?
According to Sarah Knight the author of hugely popular life manual The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F**k, there is a way of surviving noel and not turning into a Christmas Grinch.

Even if you’re committed 24/7 to the family celebration I’m betting there’s still a relative, or three, who makes you wish there had been no room at the inn. This is why it’s important to set boundaries. These can be invisible or physical, sneaky or overt. Just be careful not to hurt anyone’s feelings, because if you’re really mean remember you’ll get coal in your stocking.

If you want to avoid the annual smooch under the mistletoe from your second cousin George who suffers from halitosis so strong you’re surprised the sprig itself hasn’t wilted in protest, there are ways.
You could do one of three things. Firstly, arrive early, liberate the sprig from its perch and feign innocence if confronted. Secondly don some gay apparel, aka a jaunty sweater that says Kiss Me and Die – and lastly avoid the ‘toe entirely by paying various granddads to fetch you punch and snacks all night.

SEASONAL SPENDING HEADACHES:

If you thought a couple of seconds under the mistletoe with George was taxing – just wait until you get your January credit card bill.

There are ways to rein in your spending when it comes to Christmas presents such as agreeing to a Secret Santa or not buying gifts for anyone over the age of 13.
You can also say I’m not buying any gifts this year, nor do I expect any in return. Instead, I’m giving the gift of freedom from crippling debt to myself and my loved ones.